The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced its commitment to expediting the construction of the Oruma rigid pavement road in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, with plans for its commissioning in October. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, made this announcement during an inspection of the road, accompanied by NDDC Directors and engineers. This update was conveyed in a statement issued by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, and shared with the media in Port Harcourt.
The Oruma Road project holds significant importance as it will serve as a major bypass for commuters in numerous communities in both Bayelsa and Rivers states. Additionally, this road links to another NDDC project, the 23.5-kilometer Otuasega-Obedum-Emelego Road, and bridges, facilitating connectivity between Bayelsa and Rivers communities and further enhancing the regional road network.
Dr. Ogbuku emphasized that completing this road project is a vital part of the NDDC’s commitment to finishing all ongoing projects in the Niger Delta region. He explained, “The road is very important because it would help people of the area, mostly farmers, to evacuate their agricultural produce to the cities and towns for sale.”
He called upon community leaders and youth in the area to cooperate with the project’s contractor to ensure that the road is completed according to the set schedule. Dr. Ogbuku added, “The contractor has been given a marching order to complete this road by the end of October.”
Responding to the deadline, the contractor, Mr. Charles Yibaepirima, assured the NDDC team that he would adhere to the project’s timeline. He expressed gratitude to the NDDC for initiating the project and commended the Oruma community for their support and cooperation.
Mr. Ken Ejibas, the Community Liaison Officer, also extended his appreciation to the NDDC for executing the road project. He acknowledged the positive impact of the NDDC’s interventions on the community, including the provision of solar-powered street lights for electricity and portable water supply.
The NDDC Managing Director and his team paid a courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of the Oruma Community, King David Amakiri, who lauded the commission for executing numerous projects in his domain. King Amakiri expressed his gratitude for the Oruma Road and other infrastructure developments, highlighting the positive changes these projects have brought to the community’s livelihood. He also expressed optimism about the completion of the road linking Ogbia Local Government Area with Odual in Abua/Odual Local Government of Rivers State. The monarch thanked the NDDC for its various interventions, which have significantly improved the lives of his people.